Penn State Altoona has surpassed the $20 million goal established for the campus' historic fundraising effort, For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students. The new standard for private support at Penn State Altoona -- nearly $21 million -- is part of the University’s record $2.158 billion campaign total.
While the campaign will continue until June 30, Penn State celebrated its University-wide success April 12 with activities at the University Park campus.
“Thanks to the generosity of individuals, couples, businesses, corporations and foundations, Penn State Altoona has surpassed our unprecedented campaign goal of $20 million,” said Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry, chancellor and dean of Penn State Altoona. “I am proud that our faculty and staff have been important contributors to For the Future, providing more than $711,000 in support. With a goal of this magnitude, every gift has been -- and will forever be -- valued and appreciated. On behalf of all Penn State Altoona students and our entire campus community, I express gratitude to all benefactors who supported our campaign.”
During Penn State’s previous fundraising effort, A Grand Destiny, conducted from 1996 to 2003, Penn State Altoona raised more than $7.3 million.
For the Future is directed toward a shared vision of Penn State as the most comprehensive, student-centered research university in America. The campaign’s top priority is keeping a Penn State degree affordable for students and families.
Penn State Altoona has raised approximately $6.5 million for scholarships, far exceeding the goal of $4.5 million. In addition to the creation of vital scholarship endowments, the funds raised to date have supported numerous academic initiatives, cultural and community outreach programs, and activities that enrich educational experiences and contribute to the fulfillment of Penn State Altoona’s mission of teaching, research and service.
“Philanthropy has the power to change lives,” said N. Susan Woodring, director of development and alumni relations at Penn State Altoona. “I say that with authority because I witness philanthropy in action every day as our students -- many financially challenged -- continue their earnest pursuit of academic and career goals on our campus. I offer heartfelt thanks to all donors for embracing their special role in our success. Together, we made history!”
Since the launch of For the Future on January 1, 2007, the University has engaged Penn State’s alumni and friends as partners in achieving six key objectives: ensuring access and opportunity for students from every economic background, enhancing honors education and encouraging innovation across the curriculum, enriching the experiences of students beyond the classroom and preparing them for global leadership, building faculty strength and capacity through support for dedicated teachers and scholars, fostering discovery and creativity through interdisciplinary research initiatives, and sustaining the tradition of excellence for which the University has become recognized around the world. The campaign will officially close June 30, 2014.